AN arts project that spans two states and four local government areas has been recognised for its on-farm artist “spectacular”.
South West Arts Australia’s Creative Rural Economy (ACRE) Project received Murray River Council’s arts/culture award as part of the Australia Day celebrations.
Since 2009, the ACRE Project has run on-farm artist residencies, seminars, workshops and exhibitions that look at how art and agriculture intercept with history, community resilience and planning.
“The ACRE Project believes the immersion of art into rural communities can help foster an understanding of country, place, and those that live there,” the award nomination read.
TWIGs have become the signature event for the ACRE Project, where farmers host an artist on their farm so they can create works that respond to and resonate with the farm and local area.
At the end of the on-farm residency, the artist and farmers present a TWIG – a night of food and conversation around a fire with local neighbours, families and friends.
For ACRE 2021, the TWIG concept was expanded to include school residencies as well as those on-farm.
Three Twig events were held in Murray River Council including the Moulamein Town Twig, the Wakool Burraboi School Twig and the Caldwell Farm Twig.
The project’s Ian Tully, also Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery director, said it was wonderful to receive the acknowledgment for the work the ACRE team had put in during the year.
“This was a big project,” he said.
“Great to see this recognition, of a two state four LGA program, being successful.
“It shows that there is a need and a desire for those of us living in the country, in small, rural and remote communities to engage with the arts in a truly meaningful way.”
Moulamein had a 100-strong crowd from the local area and was held at Nyang Woolshed, thanks to property owner and long-time the ACRE Project supporter Peter Redfearn. Artist Josephine Duffy, who grew up in the area, created a stunning accordion-style big book TWIG sculpture to welcome guests.
The Wakool Burraboi Public School TWIG residency saw them develop a play, Heading to Yallapenya.
This play was written by Angela Frost, Robert Charles (Uncle Ducky) and Wakool Burraboi Public School students in partnership with Outback Theatre for Young People.
Angela and Uncle Ducky worked with the school’s 12 students during term two, learning about their lives in and around Wakool. For many it was their first time involved with performing arts and their first time on stage.
And finally, Cellist and composer Kristin Rule lived on-farm at Caldwell with hosts Wendy and Peter McDonald.
During her stay, she created new music and visuals focused on the impact of drought.
Kristin also recorded conversations with Wendy and Peter about landscape and farming, and imposed those over the work, giving it a genuine connection to place.
“The ACRE project undoubtedly brought to life the magic of arts and culture in a unique and wonderful way,” the nomination read.
